What time do Tesco, Aldi and other supermarkets open on a Sunday?

Keep it easy like Sunday morning and don't get caught out by a change in opening hours...

Sunday might be the day of rest for many, but retail workers aren’t afforded that same reprieve.

Though it’s up to individual stores to decide if they close on other dates, under government rules, there are only two days a year that require all large shops to close – Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.

So, that means if you can drag yourself out of bed on a Sunday morning and need to pop to the shops after being inspired by a menu you’ve seen on Sunday Brunch, you’re craving a Full English or need some snacks to keep your Veganuary pledge going, what time are the supermarkets open?

Well that depends on a few things, like whereabouts in the UK you are and the Sunday Trading Act. Read on to find out more…

What time do supermarkets open on a Sunday?

Under the Sunday Trading Act 1994, large shops and supermarkets – defined as anything over 3000 square foot – are allowed to open on Sundays for just six consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm in England and Wales.

So, this means larger supermarkets are either open from 10am to 4pm, 11pm to 5pm or 12pm to 6pm.

However the rules vary according to where you might be in the country.

Stores in Northern Ireland can only trade between 1pm and 6pm, and there are no trading time restrictions in Scotland.

What are the Sunday opening hours for smaller shops?

For smaller supermarkets and local shops, there are no restrictions on opening hours.

Therefore, it is up to each branch to set their opening hours on a Sunday.

Some smaller stores – like Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Locals – will still operate under different hours on a Sunday, opening a bit later or closing a bit earlier than normal, but this isn’t definite or set by law.

Your best bet if you are planning on doing a food shop – whether it is at a big supermarket or at a smaller shop – is to check the Sunday opening hours on the store locator page of their website before you set off.

MORE : Monthly food shop now costs £25 more as supermarket prices soar

MORE : Toddler who loves Tesco gets custom-made uniform and works on the tills

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Share your views in the comments below.